[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1330]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   ST. PAUL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CARLOS CURBELO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 3, 2016

  Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize St. 
Paul Missionary Baptist Church for its designation as the oldest 
African-American church in South Miami-Dade County. The church property 
was identified by the City of Homestead as a significant historic 
structure and I truly believe it warrants this recognition.
  The first permanent church was built in 1911 by Linton Connors and 
the wooden frame building was given the name ``Saint Paul Missionary 
Baptist Church''. Reverend W.M. Baker served as the first pastor of the 
church and during his tenure, the reverend organized their first choir 
and established the missionary society `Home Mission' to aid those in 
need within the community. This Mission continues to be in existence to 
this day.
  Since then, the Saint Paul Missionary Church has continued to give 
back to the community through its organization of programs that allow 
its faithful members to serve. I would like to express my gratitude to 
church leaders and congregations, past and present. You have all been 
essential in sustaining the fortitude of this truly historic place of 
worship. May God continue to bless you.

                          ____________________